After graduation, Don worked a variety of jobs, including time with the railroad, gaining valuable life experience along the way. He later enlisted in the Nebraska Air National Guard, where he proudly served in the field of Data Processing until his retirement in 2002. Don continued to work for years after retiring.
In his early years, Don was a devoted father to Stacie, Sheila, and Nichole, raising them in their family home in Crete, Nebraska. Later, he met Lynda, his partner for the rest of his life. Together they shared a home in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Don embraced and helped raise Lynda’s children as his own, and later welcomed their son, Jonathan.
Don will be remembered for his charming humor, handsome looks, and his willingness to learn how to fix anything if it meant helping friends and family. In his free time and retirement, he enjoyed watching horse races, following Husker sports, golfing with his daughters and grandchildren, spending time at local Keno parlors, and keeping up with his many friends and people he knew.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dick, Bob, and Mel.
He is survived by his partner, Lynda of Lincoln; his children, Stacie (James) Siebert of Friend, Sheila (Chris) Goebel of Grand Island, Nichole Emeigh of Grand Island, and Jonathan Emeigh of Lincoln; his grandchildren, Keelee (Matt) Saunders of Omaha, Kelsey Burkhardt (DJ Victor) of Friend, Ken Burkhardt Jr. and Kyle Burkhardt of Milford, and Faith, William, and Toby; his great-grandchildren, Bailee, Brynlee, Aubree, and Averee; his step-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Ashlyn, and Talia; along with extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 8, 2026, at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd. Omaha, NE 68138. Celebration of Life on May 16th from 12:00-3:00 PM at the VFW in Crete, NE.
Memorials can be sent in the form of donation to Blood Cancer United www.bloodcancerunited.org.
Cards and flowers may be directed to Roper & Sons 4300 O St. Lincoln, NE 68510